Student Life

Download the handbook for student policies, procedures, and forms:

Student Handbook 2016-17

(Updated April 19, 2017)

Personal Mentoring

God’s Word instructs believers to follow the example, “and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3.17). As part of the Servant of All Program, SUM provides each student with a mentor that models positive values and spiritual principles. Although the expectations and needs of each student vary, the mentoring program encourages the development of those goals through a caring relationship that responds to needs of each student. The staff at SUM consider spiritual mentoring to be part of their vocational calling. They offer spiritual care and mentoring during office hours, over coffee or mealtimes, and even in their homes.

Christian Service

The purpose of the Christian Service component of our education is to prepare students for citizenship as Christians in the world through service and to teach commitment to ideals of service, benevolence, and cleanliness.

There are numerous passages through the Bible that call us to serving others. Think about the powerful call of Paul to unity in Philippians 2:1-11. He encourages the believers to unite together by having the mind of Christ. Just as Jesus humbly served us through the crucifixion, we are to serve each other.

Students engaging in Christian Service at SUM should:

Understand the biblical mandate for service

Recognize that service to others is part of God’s purpose for us

Know that it is better to give than to receive

Have insight into appropriate service and its impact

Chapels

Here at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary we do not take it for granted that we are able to come together for corporate worship and for the hearing of the word of God. Being in the presence of fellow believers in worship is a source of joy and strength for our community. The main service of the day meets in the chapel from 10:05 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., daily, Tuesday-Friday.

Physical Education

SUM is committed to training ministers to be healthy in all areas of life. Physical education is important because our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19-20). A gym with filled workout machines, and a large grass field encourage students to stay healthy and meet the Physical Education requirement of three 20-workouts per week per trimester.

Voter Registration

The Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998 requires colleges and universities to make voter registration forms available to you. Oakland students may connect with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the California Secretary of State. Students can complete their registration online, or print a registration form and mail it directly to their local elections official. Simply go to RegisterToVote.org. Hard copy forms are available at the Oakland campus Library and the Registrar’s office for California (or Student Life Office). This does not apply to schools in states that do not have a voter registration requirement or that allow voters to register at the time of voting. An electronic message may be used if exclusive to voter registration.